Precautions for Shipping Food and Beverages Internationally​

Precautions for Shipping Food and Beverages Internationally​

Shipping food and beverages internationally requires strict adherence to food safety regulations, temperature control, and packaging standards to ensure products arrive fresh, safe, and compliant. Cold chain integrity preserves freshness. Perishable foods (meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables) require continuous temperature control—refrigerated containers (reefers) for sea freight or temperature-controlled cargo holds for air freight. For example, shipping fresh salmon from Norway to Japan uses reefers set to 0-2°C with humidity control (85-90%) to prevent drying, while frozen pizza shipped from Italy to Canada requires -18°C temperatures maintained via GPS-monitored reefers.​

HACCP and food safety compliance is mandatory. Most countries require compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, with documentation proving food safety processes. Exporters must provide certificates of analysis, ingredient lists, and proof of sanitation during production and shipping. For example, shipping organic baby food to the EU requires an organic certification from a recognized body, HACCP documentation, and lab reports confirming no pesticide residues.​

Packaging prevents contamination and damage. Food packaging must be food-grade (BPA-free, FDA-approved), moisture-resistant, and tamper-evident. For liquids like wine or olive oil, leak-proof containers with secondary packaging (e.g., shrink sleeves) prevent spills. Bulk shipments of grains or spices use sealed containers with liners to prevent insect infestation, while retail-ready packages include clear labeling with ingredients, allergens, and expiration dates. For example, a juice exporter uses aseptic packaging (sterilized containers) to maintain freshness without refrigeration during transit to remote areas.​

Labeling compliance meets local requirements. Food labels must include mandatory information in the destination language: ingredient lists (in descending order of weight), allergens (e.g., nuts, dairy), nutritional values, expiration dates, and country of origin. The EU requires allergen information in bold, while the U.S. mandates “Best By” dates and clear origin labeling. For example, a chocolate bar shipped to Australia must list ingredients in English, highlight any tree nut allergens, and display the Australian Organic logo if claiming organic status.​

Documentation for customs and safety. Required documents include commercial invoices with detailed product descriptions, certificates of origin, and food safety certificates. Some countries require additional permits—e.g., shipping meat to China requires a certificate from the exporting country’s agricultural authority confirming it meets China’s animal health standards. For example, shipping beef from Argentina to the EU requires a veterinary certificate, proof of origin, and compliance with EU hormone and antibiotic regulations.